Overview of the Umbwe route
The Umbwe Route is one of the quieter and more adventurous trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting on the southern side of the mountain, it features a steep ascent during the first two days, making it more challenging than some other routes.
On the third day, the trail joins the Machame and Lemosho routes near Barranco Camp,
Expert recommendation
The main difference between the Umbwe and Machame routes is the steepness of the first two days. The Umbwe Route has a steeper initial ascent, making it more physically demanding than Machame. After the first two days, the trail becomes more moderate.
Nabaki Safaris recommends the 7-day Umbwe Route, which provides additional time for acclimatization and a more gradual climbing experience, helping improve your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak successfully.
Umbwe route on the Kilimanjaro map
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Umbwe Route Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be welcomed by a Nabaki Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy comfortable accommodation with hot showers, friendly staff, a swimming pool, and Wi-Fi.
In the evening, you will attend a pre-climb briefing with our mountain team to review the itinerary, check your equipment, and prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Airport Transfers: Private group packages include shared airport transfers. Additional charges may apply for separate pickups. We recommend coordinating your group's arrival and departure times to avoid extra costs.
PLEASE NOTE: Standard hotel check-in time is 2:00 PM.
After breakfast, your Nabaki Safaris mountain guide and support crew will meet you at the hotel. Following introductions and a final equipment check, you will drive to Umbwe Gate, located at approximately 1,800 m (5,904 ft), where your Kilimanjaro adventure begins.
At the park entrance, your guide will complete the necessary registration and climbing permit arrangements before you start trekking towards Umbwe Camp.
The trail takes you through a beautiful tropical rainforest, featuring dense vegetation, towering trees, and spectacular natural scenery. This section is known for its steep and challenging ascent, requiring a steady pace and good physical effort. Rain showers are common, so remember to carry a waterproof jacket and spare clothing.
After several hours of hiking, you will arrive at Umbwe Camp, where your support crew will have prepared your tents and a freshly cooked dinner.
Important Altitude Acclimatization Tips
This is your first day climbing to a higher altitude. To help your body adjust:
Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly throughout the day.
Walk Slowly: Maintain a comfortable pace and avoid rushing.
Listen to Your Body: Report headaches, dizziness, nausea, or unusual tiredness to your guide immediately.
Follow Medical Advice: Consult your doctor before using altitude-sickness medication.
Altitude-related symptoms can develop during the climb, including at night. Our guides will monitor your condition and provide assistance when necessary.
Trekking Information
Starting Point: Umbwe Gate (1,800 m / 5,904 ft)
Destination: Umbwe Camp (2,850 m / 9,348 ft)
Distance: Approximately 11 km (6.8 miles)
Trekking Time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain camping tents
After an early wake-up and a nutritious breakfast, you will begin your trek towards Barranco Camp. As you leave the rainforest behind, the landscape gradually changes into open moorland, offering beautiful mountain scenery. On a clear day, you may also catch your first view of Mount Meru.
The trail continues at a steady pace, with an expected arrival at Barranco Camp (3,900 m / 12,792 ft) around lunchtime. Located beneath impressive volcanic cliffs, the camp provides a scenic place to rest. After lunch, you will have the afternoon free to relax, enjoy the surroundings, and allow your body more time to adjust to the increasing altitude.
Trekking details
Duration: 4–5 hours
Distance: Approximately 6 km (3.7 miles)
Destination: Barranco Camp (3,900 m)
After an early breakfast, begin the climb up the famous Barranco Wall. The ascent takes approximately one hour and offers spectacular views of Kibo Peak. After a short rest and photo stop, continue towards Karanga Camp through a trail of gentle ascents and descents.
Upon arrival, enjoy a warm lunch and some time to rest. Later, take an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, gaining approximately 275 metres in altitude before descending back to Karanga Camp.
Please Note: The acclimatization hike is important in helping your body adjust to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and improving your chances of reaching the summit. Take this hike seriously for a safer and more successful climb.
Acclimatization Hike
Starting Point: Karanga Camp (3,995 m / 13,106 ft)
Highest Point: 4,270 m / 14,009 ft
Distance: 2.5 km (1.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 1–2 hours
Daily Trek
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
After breakfast, begin your trek to Barafu Summit Camp (4,673 m), the starting point for your midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Upon arrival, settle into your prepared camp and enjoy some time to rest.
Later, take an acclimatization hike towards Kosovo Camp (4,870 m) before returning to Barafu Camp for a hot dinner. Spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for your exciting summit attempt.
Please Note: The acclimatization hike helps your body adjust to the altitude and prepares you for the final summit push. Rest is equally important before the challenging night ahead.
Acclimatization Hike
Starting Point: Barafu Camp (4,673 m / 15,331 ft)
Highest Point: Kosovo Camp (4,870 m / 15,977 ft)
Distance: 2 km (1.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 1–2 hours
Daily Trek
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Around midnight, begin your final ascent from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. The climb is challenging due to the high altitude, so our experienced guides will maintain a steady pace and closely monitor your well-being throughout the ascent.
Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, celebrate your achievement and enjoy breathtaking views of the glaciers and surrounding landscapes. After taking photos, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing to Millennium Camp (3,950 m).
Please Note: Take extra care during the descent, as fatigue and loose terrain can increase the risk of slips and falls. Follow your guide's instructions and watch your footing throughout the journey.
Daily Trek
Trekking Time: 8–12 hours
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Enjoy a peaceful night at Millennium Camp, surrounded by the beautiful rainforest. After breakfast, begin your final descent to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), where you will officially exit Kilimanjaro National Park.
At the gate, celebrate your achievement and say goodbye to your guides and mountain crew. You will receive your climbing certificates before being transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Daily Trek
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)
Enjoy your final moments relaxing at the hotel before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Please Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out can be arranged for an additional fee if you have an evening flight.
Prices for Ubwe route
Climbing Cost Includes
All Nabaki Safaris Kilimanjaro packages include the transfers specified in your itinerary. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will welcome you and take you to your hotel in a spacious, comfortable Toyota Alphard. Our vehicles offer ample luggage space, complimentary bottled water, Wi-Fi, and wet wipes for your comfort. Each vehicle is regularly inspected and maintained by our experienced technicians to ensure your safety and reliability.
Our professional drivers are experienced, knowledgeable, and fluent in English, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout your adventure.
For transfers to the Kilimanjaro climbing trailheads, we use reliable Toyota Hiace or Coaster vehicles, selected for their suitability on mountain roads and rugged terrain. These vehicles provide comfortable transportation while navigating the challenging routes to the mountain.
At the end of your adventure, Nabaki Safaris will arrange your return transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport, ensuring a convenient and stress-free departure.
With our dependable transportation services, you can relax and focus on enjoying your Kilimanjaro adventure while we take care of your transfers.
Nabaki Safaris provides quality camping equipment and essential amenities to make your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. From spacious sleeping tents to well-equipped dining areas, we take care of the details so you can focus on reaching the summit.
Comfortable and Spacious Walk-In Tents
During our Kilimanjaro expeditions, we provide durable four-season mountain tents designed to protect you from cold temperatures, strong winds, and rain. Each tent features a small entrance area where you can leave muddy boots and wet clothing before entering.
Our spacious walk-in tents offer enough room to stand, change clothes, and organize your belongings comfortably. They are designed to accommodate two climbers, although private tents can be arranged upon request at an additional cost.
Comfortable Camping Beds
A good night's sleep is essential after a challenging day of trekking. Our camping setup includes elevated camping beds with comfortable mattresses, giving you a more relaxing place to rest and recover for the next day's climb.
Thick Sleeping Mats
For additional comfort and insulation, we provide thick sleeping mats to help protect you from the cold ground and improve your sleeping experience throughout the expedition.
Dining Tables and Quality Tableware
Our dining arrangements include camping tables, stainless-steel cutlery, and reusable ceramic tableware. Our dedicated kitchen crew prepares, serves, and cleans up after every meal. We also aim to minimize plastic waste by avoiding disposable dining utensils.
Spacious Dining Tents
Our weather-resistant dining tents provide a comfortable space where climbers can enjoy their meals, relax, and socialize. They offer protection from wind and rain, making mealtimes enjoyable even when mountain weather conditions change.
Comfortable Folding Chairs
We provide practical folding chairs with back and arm support, allowing climbers to relax comfortably after hiking. They are perfect for enjoying evening conversations, sharing experiences, and admiring the beautiful mountain scenery.
Handwashing Facilities
Cleanliness is an important part of our camping experience. Our crew provides handwashing stations supplied with warm water, allowing climbers to wash their hands and freshen up during their stay at camp.
Professional Camp Management
Our experienced camp team arrives ahead of the climbing group to prepare the campsite and organize the equipment. They select suitable camping locations, set up tents, and ensure everything is ready before climbers arrive.
Our team also regularly checks the tents and camping equipment throughout the expedition. Essential repair tools are available to handle minor maintenance whenever necessary.
With Nabaki Safaris, you can enjoy a well-organized camping experience, comfortable facilities, and dedicated mountain support throughout your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Throughout your Kilimanjaro adventure, Nabaki Safaris provides experienced mountain chefs and serving staff who prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our menus are carefully planned to provide balanced, nutritious, and energy-rich meals that help climbers maintain their strength during the trek.
We understand that every climber has different dietary preferences and nutritional requirements. Therefore, we can arrange vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, and other special meal options upon request. Simply inform our team before your climb, and our chefs will prepare meals according to your needs at no additional cost.
A Variety of Fresh and Tasty Meals
Our mountain menu combines popular international dishes with delicious local food to give you a satisfying dining experience throughout the climb.
Breakfast: Start your day with nutritious options such as porridge, eggs, sausages, fresh vegetables, sweet potatoes, spinach, bread, and hot drinks like coffee and tea.
Lunch: Enjoy a selection of freshly prepared soups, spaghetti, vegetable and avocado salads, mashed potatoes, chicken dishes, beef stews, and other tasty meals designed to keep your energy levels up.
Dinner: After a rewarding day on the mountain, enjoy warming soups, fresh salads, vegetable dishes, chicken, beef, or fish, accompanied by delicious sauces and side dishes.
Fresh fruits such as mangoes, oranges, pineapples, and bananas are also served to provide additional vitamins and refreshment after your meals.
Premium Dining Experience
For climbers looking for an upgraded dining experience, Nabaki Safaris can arrange enhanced meal options featuring a wider selection of dishes, snacks, desserts, nuts, and cheeses. Meals can also be served using quality reusable dinnerware and proper cutlery, making dining at mountain camps more enjoyable.
Fresh and Locally Sourced Ingredients
We prioritize fresh ingredients sourced from local suppliers and farms around Tanzania. Our food supplies include fresh vegetables, fruits, and quality meat selected to maintain good standards of freshness and food safety.
By working with local suppliers, we also contribute to the surrounding communities and support the local economy.
Meals During the First Day of Climbing
Our mountain chefs prepare your meals throughout the expedition. However, lunch on the first day may be prepared in advance before you reach the first campsite, depending on your climbing route and itinerary. It will be carefully packed to make it convenient to enjoy during your journey.
Preparing Meals in Mountain Conditions
Cooking on Mount Kilimanjaro requires experience, preparation, and teamwork. Our chefs work in specially organized camp kitchens, using portable cooking equipment designed for mountain environments.
Weather conditions can sometimes be challenging, with cold temperatures, rain, and strong winds. Despite these difficulties, our mountain crew works hard to maintain food quality, hygiene, and reliable meal service throughout your expedition.
With Nabaki Safaris, you can enjoy nutritious meals, attentive service, and the energy you need to make the most of your Mount Kilimanjaro climbing experience.
Nabaki Safaris offers private portable toilet facilities to provide climbers with greater comfort, privacy, and hygiene throughout their Mount Kilimanjaro adventure.
Instead of relying on shared public toilets at mountain camps, you can enjoy the convenience of your own private toilet tent. Our crew sets it up at every campsite, ensuring easy access and a more comfortable experience during the climb.
A dedicated porter is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the toilet facilities regularly to maintain proper hygiene throughout the expedition.
With Nabaki Safaris, even the small details are carefully considered to make your Kilimanjaro climbing experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Nabaki Safaris provides quality sleeping equipment to help you rest comfortably during your Mount Kilimanjaro expedition.
Warm Sleeping Bags: High-quality Mountain Hardwear sleeping bags with a comfort rating of approximately -12°C (10°F), designed to keep you warm during cold mountain nights.
Memory Foam Pillows: Soft memory foam pillows provide additional comfort and support, helping you enjoy a more restful sleep after long trekking days.
We prioritize your comfort and recovery so you can wake up refreshed and ready for the next stage of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure will be led by experienced, professional, and passionate mountain guides from Nabaki Safaris. Our team is dedicated to providing excellent leadership, safety, local knowledge, and personal support throughout your climb.
Experienced and Knowledgeable Guides
Our mountain guides have extensive experience climbing and leading expeditions on Mount Kilimanjaro. They have excellent knowledge of the mountain's routes, terrain, weather conditions, flora, and wildlife.
Their experience helps climbers navigate different mountain environments while receiving helpful guidance and encouragement throughout the journey.
Wilderness First Aid and Safety Training
Your safety is one of our highest priorities. Our guides receive mountain safety and wilderness first-aid training to help them recognize altitude-related symptoms and respond to medical emergencies.
They are familiar with mountain safety procedures, emergency communication, and altitude monitoring to help provide a safe and well-managed climbing experience.
Knowledgeable Guides and Great Storytelling
Climbing Kilimanjaro is not just about reaching the summit; it is also an opportunity to discover the mountain's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Our guides enjoy sharing interesting stories about Kilimanjaro's history, local legends, wildlife, plants, and Chagga culture. They are always happy to answer questions and make your journey educational and memorable.
At the same time, they understand the importance of personal space, allowing you to enjoy peaceful moments and appreciate the mountain at your own pace.
A Dedicated Mountain Support Team
Behind every successful Kilimanjaro expedition is a hardworking support team. Our guides work alongside experienced porters, camp attendants, and mountain chefs to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Our porters transport essential camping equipment and supplies, prepare campsites before climbers arrive, and collect water for daily use. Meanwhile, our chefs prepare fresh and nutritious meals to keep you energized throughout the climb.
Every team member plays an important role in making your expedition comfortable and well organized.
Responsible Treatment of Our Mountain Crew
At Nabaki Safaris, we believe that a successful expedition begins with respecting and supporting the people who make it possible.
We value the hard work of our guides, porters, cooks, and camp staff. We are committed to fair treatment, proper working conditions, respectful communication, and appropriate compensation for everyone involved in our mountain expeditions.
Climb Kilimanjaro with Confidence
Choosing the right guiding team can make a significant difference to your Kilimanjaro experience. With Nabaki Safaris, you benefit from professional guidance, dedicated mountain support, local knowledge, and a team committed to helping you enjoy a memorable journey to the Roof of Africa.
Nabaki Safaris Kilimanjaro climbing packages include the required park fees and government charges associated with your expedition. These may include conservation fees, camping fees, rescue fees, crew fees, and forest fees where applicable, depending on the selected climbing route.
These fees are essential for protecting Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, maintaining its facilities, supporting conservation activities, and ensuring the proper management of climbing expeditions.
By including these costs in our packages, we provide transparent pricing and help you avoid unexpected park-related expenses during your adventure.
Responsible and Transparent Business Practices
At Nabaki Safaris, we believe in operating responsibly and complying with applicable Tanzanian laws and tourism regulations.
We are committed to meeting our tax obligations, maintaining the necessary business licences, and fulfilling relevant employment and social security requirements.
We also recognize the important role tourism plays in supporting Tanzania's economy and local communities. Through our operations, we aim to contribute positively to the tourism sector while supporting the people and communities who make Kilimanjaro adventures possible.
With Nabaki Safaris, you can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing that your climbing package is designed with transparent pricing, responsible operations, and respect for Tanzania's natural heritage.
Experienced and Knowledgeable Guides
Our mountain guides have extensive experience climbing and leading expeditions on Mount Kilimanjaro. They have excellent knowledge of the mountain's routes, terrain, weather conditions, flora, and wildlife.
Their experience helps climbers navigate different mountain environments while receiving helpful guidance and encouragement throughout the journey.
Wilderness First Aid and Safety Training
Your safety is one of our highest priorities. Our guides receive mountain safety and wilderness first-aid training to help them recognize altitude-related symptoms and respond to medical emergencies.
They are familiar with mountain safety procedures, emergency communication, and altitude monitoring to help provide a safe and well-managed climbing experience.
Knowledgeable Guides and Great Storytelling
Climbing Kilimanjaro is not just about reaching the summit; it is also an opportunity to discover the mountain's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Our guides enjoy sharing interesting stories about Kilimanjaro's history, local legends, wildlife, plants, and Chagga culture. They are always happy to answer questions and make your journey educational and memorable.
At the same time, they understand the importance of personal space, allowing you to enjoy peaceful moments and appreciate the mountain at your own pace.
A Dedicated Mountain Support Team
Behind every successful Kilimanjaro expedition is a hardworking support team. Our guides work alongside experienced porters, camp attendants, and mountain chefs to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Our porters transport essential camping equipment and supplies, prepare campsites before climbers arrive, and collect water for daily use. Meanwhile, our chefs prepare fresh and nutritious meals to keep you energized throughout the climb.
Every team member plays an important role in making your expedition comfortable and well organized.
Responsible Treatment of Our Mountain Crew
At Nabaki Safaris, we believe that a successful expedition begins with respecting and supporting the people who make it possible.
We value the hard work of our guides, porters, cooks, and camp staff. We are committed to fair treatment, proper working conditions, respectful communication, and appropriate compensation for everyone involved in our mountain expeditions.
Climb Kilimanjaro with Confidence
Choosing the right guiding team can make a significant difference to your Kilimanjaro experience. With Nabaki Safaris, you benefit from professional guidance, dedicated mountain support, local knowledge, and a team committed to helping you enjoy a memorable journey to the Roof of Africa.
When you choose Nabaki Safaris for your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure, you also support local communities and contribute to the development of Tanzania's tourism destinations.
We believe responsible tourism should benefit not only visitors but also the people who live and work around Mount Kilimanjaro. As part of our commitment to sustainable tourism, we aim to support community development through social responsibility initiatives and meaningful local partnerships.
Some of our key areas of focus include:
Supporting Local Communities: Working with local communities and businesses to create opportunities and encourage economic development.
Creating Local Employment: Providing employment opportunities for mountain guides, porters, cooks, drivers, and other tourism professionals.
Supporting Local Businesses: Purchasing supplies and services from local farmers, suppliers, and businesses whenever possible.
Environmental Conservation: Encouraging responsible tourism practices that help protect Mount Kilimanjaro and its surrounding natural environment.
Education and Community Development: Supporting initiatives that improve access to education and contribute to the well-being of local families.
By climbing with Nabaki Safaris, you become part of a tourism experience that values local people, protects natural resources, and promotes a positive impact on the communities around Mount Kilimanjaro.
Climbing Cost Excludes
International Flight Arrangements
Please note that international flights to Tanzania are not included in Nabaki Safaris Kilimanjaro climbing packages. Guests are responsible for booking and covering the cost of their international airfare.
Our team will be happy to assist you with travel guidance and recommend airlines operating flights to Tanzania. If you need assistance choosing your arrival airport or planning your travel schedule, feel free to contact our team.
We recommend booking your flights early to secure convenient travel dates and ensure a smooth start to your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Our professional drivers are experienced, knowledgeable, and fluent in English, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout your adventure.
For transfers to the Kilimanjaro climbing trailheads, we use reliable Toyota Hiace or Coaster vehicles, selected for their suitability on mountain roads and rugged terrain. These vehicles provide comfortable transportation while navigating the challenging routes to the mountain.
At the end of your adventure, Nabaki Safaris will arrange your return transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport, ensuring a convenient and stress-free departure.
With our dependable transportation services, you can relax and focus on enjoying your Kilimanjaro adventure while we take care of your transfers.
International visitors travelling to Tanzania for a Mount Kilimanjaro adventure may need to obtain a tourist visa before arrival or apply through the official Tanzania eVisa system, depending on their nationality.
Visa fees and entry requirements vary depending on the traveller's country of citizenship and the type of visa required. Most eligible visitors can apply for a single-entry tourist visa, while some nationalities, including US citizens, may require a multiple-entry visa.
We recommend checking the latest visa regulations and application requirements before travelling to Tanzania.
If you need assistance understanding the visa process, our Nabaki Safaris travel advisors will be happy to provide guidance and help you prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you will need personal gear such as hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking pants, thermals, and trekking poles. See the full list here.
As of today, Altezza Travel’s gear rental shop is the only gear rental shop on Kilimanjaro where climbers can rent everything they need for their adventure. All of our gear comes from top brands such as The North Face, Black Diamond, RedFox, Columbia, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, and others.
If you intend to rent gear from us, you can provide us with a list of everything you will need to hire in your Altezza Family portal account, and we will have everything prepared for you before you arrive in Tanzania.
Travel insurance is not included in Nabaki Safaris climbing packages. However, all participants joining our Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru trekking adventures are required to have valid travel insurance that provides adequate coverage for high-altitude mountain climbing.
Your insurance policy should specifically cover:
High-Altitude Trekking: Coverage for hiking and trekking at elevations of up to 6,000 metres above sea level.
Emergency Medical Expenses: Medical treatment in case of illness, injury, or altitude-related conditions during the expedition.
Helicopter Evacuation: Emergency helicopter rescue and evacuation services where available and medically necessary.
Emergency Repatriation: Transportation to your home country if medically required.
Insurance policies and coverage limits vary depending on your country and provider. Before travelling, contact your insurance company to confirm that your policy meets all the requirements for high-altitude trekking in Tanzania.
We recommend arranging your insurance well in advance and carrying proof of coverage when joining your Nabaki Safaris adventure.
Your safety and peace of mind are important to us, and having appropriate travel insurance helps you prepare for unexpected situations during your mountain expedition.